Magnolia Makeover: No Place Like Home

Did you catch the Fixer Upper episode where Chip and Joanna design a loft? We love that they’re not afraid to tackle a new project and a new adventure. In her blog, Joanna said her favorite room was the office/guest room/library combo. Here are some of her tips she shares that you can use in your own home:

Look for Space-Saving Solutions

The homeowner wanted to accommodate guests as well as have a home office and library, but space in his residence was at a premium. Since the home was inside an apartment building, adding square footage wasn’t an option. So Chip and Joanna “built up,” by opening up the ceilings.

“It gave us a lot more usable space to build a lofted guest bed in this room,” Joanna writes. “In a small room like this one, every inch counts. For your own home, when you need a room to serve a specific purpose but have limited space to work with, get creative and think outside the box.”

Don’t Be Afraid of Dark Paint Colors

It can feel scary to choose dark paint colors in a small room, but this renovation proves that it’s nothing to fear. Joanna chose matte black paint for the walls and then lightened up the room with other details, such as the flooring, rug and furniture.

“Don’t be afraid of dark paint colors! Even bold shades can be balanced out by the other elements in your space,” Joanna writes.

Go All In With a Favorite Color

Joanna wanted to incorporate the color blue—lots of it!—so she used color blocking to bring in a variety of shades. “Choose a color you love and incorporate it throughout your space using books. I love the way this bookshelf turned out using so many different blue tones,” Joanna writes.